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edited by Alexa Yablonski -- Interior Design, 3/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Interface: The company's Terratex brand is developing bio-based fabrics made with fibers from organic, annually renewable resources such as corn. The fibers, which share performance properties with polyester and other synthetics, require 20 to 50 percent less fossil fuel to produce than petroleum-based alternatives and emit less carbon dioxide during production. 207-876-3331; www.terratex.com. circle 317

Sina Pearson: Inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the Hot & Spicy collection has plenty of zest. We enjoyed the vibrant colors of Margarita and Spice and the playful patterns of Serape, Sombrero, and Cactus Flower. Made from 100 percent salvaged polyester yarns, these Terratex brand fabrics can be melted down and recycled after their useful life, which, considering their durability, might make for a long wait. 212-366-1146; www.sinapearson.com. circle 318

Keilhauer: Corte, a charming multicolor weave, and Fila, an undulating stripe, are proof of the company's environmental initiative. The two selections, part of Keilhauer's E-1 collection, are made entirely of postindustrial fibers and available in 16 colors. 800-724-5665; www.keilhauer.com. circle 319

Knoll: Basket Draft is a textural, high-sheen panel fabric of recycled polyester, available in 15 colors. 877-615-6655; www.knolltextiles.com. circle 320

Austin's Power

In the past decade, Austin, Texas, has made a name for itself as a hotbed of creativity. While the area's music and films have long received kind notices, we've most recently been impressed by the furniture coming from Alex Schaub and B. Jane of Red Plum Jam. The husband-wife team has translated the city's laid-back sense of style into furniture without fuss that would likely please Adolf Loos and Mies van der Rohe. "We enjoy reductive and refined designs with the assembly and the beauty of the material as ornament," explains Schaub. The modern, Asian-inspired furniture is distinguished by a directness of design and a tendency to celebrate jointing points. Among our favorites are the African mahogany stool (above) and the duo's latest creations in MDF, including CD racks and rolling cases (left). 512-442-6824; www.redplumjam.com, www.customfurnituredesign.com. circle 316

Rios Grand

With entertainment-industry supernovas as clients and attention-grabbing commercial projects—such as the Terminator 2 3-D ride at Universal Studios—in its portfolio, Rios Associates is used to dreaming big (and often in Technicolor). But the Los Angeles design firm's interdisciplinary approach has also generated smaller yet equally boldfaced custom furniture, carpets, light fixtures, and even playing cards. Similar items can now be found at notNeutral, Rios Associates' recently opened housewares boutique. "After we designed Marina del Rey's Röck restaurant down to the dishes—and people wanted to buy them—we realized we might be onto something," says Julie Smith, cofounder and president of notNeutral. Behind the sleek glass storefront on West Third Street, customers can choose from quirky and colorful place settings, vases, and pillows. While most are notNeutral originals, the shop also stocks favorites including Lafco soaps and bedding by Matteo. 800-270-6511; www.notneutral.com. circle 321

Jewelry for Walls

Before creating tiles, Coral Bourgeois found success as a fine artist in New York and, later, as a jewelry maker nabbing orders from swank vendors such as Neiman Marcus. While Bourgeois has been dedicated to tiles for nearly 10 years, it's clear that her past and present endeavors are interwoven. Her pieces, hand-painted and often studded with beads or jewelry rings, feature an almost opalescent gloss or, more recently, an elegant matte finish. For inspiration, Bourgeois has now turned to the subject of women. Her new series features images ranging from domestic objects—including dainty teacups and lacy cake cutters—to powerful icons: Janis Joplin and Marilyn Monroe. Tiles with this much wit and graphic appeal lend themselves to large-scale installation and have found a home in venues such as the Bice restaurant in Las Vegas's Aladdin Resort & Casino. 401-435-5571; www.coralbourgeois.com. circle 322

Putting on the Glitz

The company is well known for corporate fabrics that are functional and full of flair. But over the past couple of years, Knoll has started to make a name for itself outside the office arena. With the introduction of a trio of tremendously chic textiles, Knoll seems ready for the limelight: that is, tony bars, restaurants, and hotels. Designer Suzanne Tick describes this latest collection as "a little more dressy." The very opulent Lyonese Velvet proves her point. This tactile fabric with sinuous patterning mimics the boho glamour of a burn-out velvet. Slicker is the collection's sexy siren. It shimmers and is so slick that it recalls sealskin. Also included: Foil Rap, which Tick likens to a techno-grass cloth. 212-343-4000; www.knolltextiles.com. circle 323